First Assurance Managing Director Stephen Lokonyo.
Nearly all human beings go through moments in life when
things take an unexpected turn. It could be something as simple as sending a
text to the wrong person, only to realise it was a terribly embarrassing
message.
Or perhaps you trip on a perfectly flat surface and spill
coffee all over yourself right before a big meeting, or perhaps you back out of
your driveway a little too quickly and hear that sickening crunch of a crash.
“When such blunders occur in a world that often demands
perfection, we tend to feel trapped, replaying the scenario in our heads and
wishing that we could rewind time,” says Stephen Lokonyo, Managing Director,
First Assurance.
Instead of looking at these moments as failures, Lokonyo
observes that it is better to take these moments as reminders of why it is
important to have a backup plan, a safety net for the unpredictability of life.
“The truth is, life is unpredictable. We can be the most
careful driver, the most attentive parent, or the most organised homeowner, but
sometimes, things just go wrong, or as the Swahili say, ‘Makosa Hufanyika,”
states Lokonyo.
A small lapse in judgment, an unforeseen accident, or an
event completely out of one’s control can throw a wrench in the victim’s plans
and, more importantly, their finances.
“Without motor insurance, that crash could mean a huge,
unexpected bill for repairs. Without health insurance, that sudden illness
could make a simple hospital visit turn into a financial nightmare,” says
Lokonyo.
Meanwhile, without home insurance, that storm that ripped
through a neighborhood and damaged the roofs of buildings, could leave the
occupants shouldering the entire cost of repairs by themselves.
“These "oopsie" moments are where insurance steps
in. It is not about encouraging mistakes; it is about being prepared for them
and accepting that we are all human and that perfection is an illusion,” notes
Lokonyo.
According to the MD, insurance is the peace of mind that
allows a victim to take a deep breath after an accident and say, "Makosa
Hufanyika... but I am covered."
It is a backup plan for when things do not go according to
plan, and the assurance that a single mistake or an unfortunate event will not
derail one’s entire life.
“Insurance companies such as First Assurance, can give you
the freedom to live your life to the fullest, knowing you are protected from
the unexpected, knowing you have a partner who’s got your back,” posed Lokonyo.
